Inhibitory effect of propranolol on lipid synthesis in gonadectomized male hamster flank organs

RESUMO

Background. This papaer describes the inhibitory effect produced by propanolol pre-treatment on lipid synthesis in flank organs from intact, gonadectomized, and isoproterenol-treated male hamsters. Furthermore, the effect induced by the same treatments on gland sebum composition is reported. Methods. Different groups of male hamsters were injected daily with propranolol, isoproterenol or propranolol plusisoproterenol. Treatment-effect was evaluated determining the in vitro incorporation of radioactive acetate into lipids in hamster flank organs from intact and castrated animals. Additionally, radiolabeled lipids were isolated and identified using TLC and autoradiography as methods. Results. demonstrate that castration significantly decreases lipid synthesis in male hamster flank organs. In addition, propanolol treatment inhibits such synthesis in glands from intact, gonadectomized, and isoproterenol-treated animals. However, isoproterenol treatment was ineffective when compared to intact or gonadectomized control vehicle-treated animals. Lipid classes isolated and identified lipids either in castrated or in drug-treated animals were phospholipids, cholesterol, monoglycerides, fatty acids, waxes and cholesterol esters. Conclusions. Results indicate an inhibitory effect induced on lipid synthesis by ß-adrenergic receptor antagonist; however, ß-adrenergic agonists drugs do not stimulate it. Data suggest a permissive role of adrenergic hormones on lipid synthesis in intact and in gonadectomized animals. Futhermore, castration decreased the synthesis, suggesting that a tight coupling between ß-adrenergic receptors and androgen receptors may be a prerequisite for lipogenesis in this tissue. Pre-treatment does not modify sebum composition in gonadectomized animal glands. These data support the evidence that activation of ß-adrenergic receptors could be an independent factor in the lipid composition regulation process